Box stacker



May 15, 1945. A A 2,376,176

BOX STACKER Filed Feb. 15, 1943 7 Sheets-Sheet l 279 as! F .1 293 286 INVENTOR. AMEQU 5E NEJA A. N EJA BOX STACKER May 15, 1945.

Filed Feb. 15, 194:5 "(Shets-Shee'l: 2

, INVENTOR. ATIEIH EISE NEJA ATTORNEY May 15, 1945.

Filed Feb. 15, 1945 A; NEJA 2,376,176 Box STACKER 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 u v I4 7% M 11 ZQI3G4 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY May 15, 1945. A NEJA 2,376,176

7 BOX sTAcKER Filed Feb. 15, 1943 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 I INVENTOR BY AN HEIEIE NEJA May 15, 1945. NYEJA 2,376,176

. I BOX STACKER Filed Feb. 15. 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTOR E Y Ariana 5E NEJA' A. NEJA BOX STACKER May 15, 1945.

7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed Feb. 15, 1943 ZGI V v I \biilllllllllillll INVENTOR. AMBROSE NEJA A TTQRNE Y UNITED/STATES PATENT OFFICE BOX STACKER Ambrose Neja, Anaheim, Calif.

' 1 Application February 15, 1943, Serial No. 475,913

7 Claims.

This invention relates to a box stacking apparatus. I

The general object of the invention is to provide an improved box handling apparatus whereby boxes may be stacked and the stack may be moved to a desired location.

Fig. 12 is a perspective schematic view of the discharge conveyor raising control mechanism;

This invention is an improvement on the construction shown in my copending applications Serial No. 390,737, filed April 28, 1941, and Serial No, 435,013, filed March 17, 1942, now Patents 2,313,478 and 2,329,413, granted March 9, 1943, and September 14, 1943, respectively, and the novelty in the present application resides primarily in the relation between the discharge conveyor and the elevator and'in the means for operating the discharge conveyor and the elevator so :that the boxes are stacked and a stack removed inan improved manner.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide animproved apparatus for stacking boxes one upon the other,

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel means for operating the elevator of a box stacking apparatus. I

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel discharge conveyor and novel means for operating the discharge conveyor of a box stacking apparatus.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a plan view of my improved stacking and conveying mechanism;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevation;

' Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig, 2 with parts in section and with parts in different position;

Fig. 3A is a sectional detail taken on line 3A- 3A, Fig. 3;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 with-other parts in section and with parts in different positions from that shown in Figs. 2 and 3;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation partly in section;

Fig. 6 is a wiring diagram for controlling the A motor operation of the box stacking mechanism;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line I3--I3, Fig. 11, with parts in elevation;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken n line I4- I4,'

Fi 11; J

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14 with the parts in another position, and p p Fig. 16 is a section al view of one of the eccen trics shown in Figs. 11 and 12'. r

Referring to the drawings by reference characters, 'I have shown my inventionas embodied in a box handling apparatus which is indicatedgenerally at I0, As shown the apparatus includes a feed conveyor I I, a stacking mechanism I2, and a discharge conveyor I3. As shown the feed con,- veyor I I includes frame members I4 shown as made of angle iron with a cross piece I5 connect,

ing members I4. I

The frame members I4 each include an in wardly extending leg I4 secured thereto by we1d-- and arranged between the frame members I 4, As

shown the shaft I'I extends on one'side beyond the adjacent frame member I4 and has a sprocket I8 secured thereto. The sprocket l8by means of a continuous chain I8 drives a sprocket 20 on a shaft 2| which is'supported by blocks 22 which in turn are supportedat the outmost ends of the frame members I4.v The'shaft 2I drives a belt conveyor 23 which may be extended to any desired location andis adapted to transport boxes to the feed conveyor.

The frame members I4 at the end'thereof adjacent to the stacking mechanism I2 support a shaft 24 journaled in bearing blocks 25 secured to the frame members I4. The shaft' 24 has a pair of sprockets'26 secured thereto and arranged I between the frame members I4. Sprockets 2t and the sprockets I1 support a pair of substantially parallel continuous chains 21.

The shaft 24 extends beyond-one of the frame members l4 and has a sprocket 28 thereon which supports one end of a continuous chain 29 which is driven by a sprocket 30 from a motor 3 I. Thus it is seen that the motor 3| by means of the chain 29 drives the shaft 24 which drives the chains 21 which by means of the chain I9 drives the belt conveyor 23.

The frame members I4 intermediate the lengths thereof pivotally support a shaft 32 which L supports a transverse bar 33 to which one end of conveyor. 'bunching up adjacent the stacking mechanism.

channel guides 34 are secured. The forward ends of the channel guides 34 are downwardly inclined as at 35 and a cross piece 36 is secured to the guides adjacent to the inclined portions 35. A lever 31v is provided with a bearing block 31' (see Fig. 4) which is pivotally supported on the shaft 24 between the sprockets 23. The rear end of the lever 31 includes an upwardly extending rod 33 adapted to engage the cross piece 36. Pivotally mounted on the shaft 32 I provide a downwardly inclined, forwardly extending rocker arm 39 which has a switch 49 mechanism mounted thereon. The switch 49 has an operating arm 4| and a roller 42 .thereon, the roller 45. being positioned between the channel guides 34. The switch 40 controls the motor 3I.

Secured to the transverse bar 33 I provide a forwardly extending plate 43 disposed between the channel guides 34. A splinterishield 44 is disposed between and connected to the channel guides 34. Between the plate 43 and the shield 44 and pivotally connected to the rocker arm 39 I provide at 44' an upwardly, then forwardly and then downwardly extending switch arm 45 which is adapted when rocked to engage the switch roller 42. Thus it will be seen that the forward ends of the chains 21 may be raised and lowered by rocking the lever .31 and the construction is such that when in the raised position the chains 21 are slightly above the inwardly extending leg M of the frame members I4 and when in the lowered position the chains 21 are slightly below the inwardly extending leg I4. It will also be seen that the switch 49.1nay be raised and lowered by rocking the rocker arm 39 and the construction is such that when the chains 21 are in the' raised position and the switch 40 is in the raised position (see Fig. 4) a box conveyed by the chains will engage and depress the switch arm 45 to thus actuate the switch 40 and shut off the motor 3| and stop the operation of the entire feed conveyor.

When the switch 49 is in raised position and the chains 21 are in the lowered position (see Fig. 3), a box being conveyed by the chains will engage and depress the switch arm 45 and thus actuate the switch 40 to shut off the motor 30 and thus stop the operation of the entire feed Thus boxes are prevented from When the switch 40 is in lowered position and the chains 21 are in raised position a box being conveyed by the chains will not depress the switch arm 45 far enough to actuate the switch 40.

A stop member 46 at the forward ends of inwardly extending legs I4 is positioned so as to The cylinder 61 has a sprocket 68 at one end thereof which isdriven by a chain 69. The chain 69 is supported and driven by a sprocket 19 secured to the shaft 24.

On each of the shafts 63 and 65 I pivot a pair of spaced box engaging arms 1|. The arms 1I extend upwardly and at the upper ends thereof are bent inwardly and joined by cross channels 12. Adjacentv the upper bent portions each arm has an elongated rod 13 thereon. The rods 13 extend outwardly and through apertures in brackets 14 on the upright members 69, Gila, 69b and 600. A nut 15 threadedly engages each rod 13 and the outer face of the brackets 14 to limit the movement of the arms H. A compression spring 16 disposed about each of the rods 13 between the arms 1| and the brackets 14 normally urges the arms inwardly.

The lower portions of the arms H are supported on the shaft 65 by bearing portions 11 (see Fig. 5), the arms being secured to the bearing portions by bolts 19. The lower portions of the arms H (see Fig.3) on the shaft .63 each include a bearing portion .80 having an upwardly extending bar portion 8| thereon to which the lower portion of the associated .arm H is ecured by bolts 82.

The bar portions BI have slots 83 therein through which the bolts 82 extend to thus permit relative vertical movement of the upper portions of the arm H and the bar portions 8|. The bearing portion 80 has an outwardly extending boss 84 thereon having an aperture85 therein which one end of a tension spring 86 is secured. The

other end of the spring .86 is secured to an outwardly extending boss 31 secured to the upper portion of the arm 1|.

engage the forward end of a conveyed box when the chains 21 are in lowered position, but when the chains 21 are in raised position the boxes will be raised by the splinter shield 44 and will pass over stop member 46.

As shown the stacking mechanism I2 includes a plurality of upright frame members 50, a,

60b and 600. The frame members I4 are secured I to the members 69 and 69a at the upper ends thereof, the upright members 60b and 630 are joined by a longitudinal cross member SI 'while the members 60 and 6911 are joined by transverse member 62 and members 601) and 600 are joined by a transverse member 62'.

A shaft 63 is supported on the upright members 60 and 69a, being journaled in bearing blocks 64. A shaft is journaled in bearing block 66 on the upright members 60b and We.

Adjacent the feed conveyor, a, transverse angle member extends between and is secured to the uprights 60 and 68a. The member 95 has a loop member 96 (Fig. 3A), secured thereto and depending therefrom. The loop member 96 supports the rocker arm 39 and permits limited vertical movement thereof.

At the bottom of the frame, a transverse angle member 91 is secured to the lower ends of the uprights 89 and 60a and a transverse angle member 98 is secured to the lower ends of the uprights 69b and 600. As shown, members 91 and 98 extend beyond the uprights 60 and B00 and at its outer end, member 98 is secured to a vertical angle member 93. Opposite the transverse member 95 is a transverse member I09 secured to the uprights 69b and 600 and at one end thereof extends beyond the upright 69c and is secured at its outer end to the upper end of the vertical member 99. v

Secured to the transverse members 95 and H36 I provide .a pair of longitudinal angle members IIII, each of which has one end of a transverse channel member I92 secured thereto. A pair of longitudinal angle members I03 are secured to the uprights 60 and 600, and 60a and 60b, and each has one end of a transverse channel member I94 secured th'ereto. To the channels I02 and I94 I secure opposite ends of a cylindrical sleeve I35 through which an elongated tube I96 slides. A rectangular head member I91 on top of the tube I06 supports an elevator platform III) which includes a plate member II I secured to the head member I91 and having an angle bar I I2 secured at one end thereof and a vertical plate I I3 secured at the other end thereof.

A plurality of shafts 3' are mounted on the membersl'andjl2lq Y mounted on'the channel/members I20 and I2I.

The motor. I23 by drives a shaftI on which a gear I26 is mount-. ed. The gear I26 is adapted to drivea lar e gear. wheel I21 mounted on a shaft I28 which is,jour-,

riphery thereof wardly vertical leg of the angle bar I2 and the vertical plate I I3' an'd extending 'therebetween 'suppe t rollers I I 4 the tops of which project slightlyabove us. One of the intermediate shafts 3'j jS1 ports end flanges H5 on an apron H6.

I H4 upon which the arms.

Adjacent the roller I'I5 are attached, plate H6 thereof has a down-' wardly extending portion 'I IT. ,o the lowergside of plate H6 and in the approximate middle thereof, I provide a rod I I8. secured thereto by a weldthe vertical leg of the angle bar I I 2 and the plate iiiing, and extending downwardly to-slidablyiene gage a stop member IIB which is attached to' the upper face of plate l'I A nut I I817 threadably engages the lower end of rod I I8. Aspring H6.

surrounds the rod H8 and isadapted to engage the'lower faceiof plate I, i 6.

1 A channel l20extends between the extende dj portions of angles 91 and 98 (see Figs. lianjdjl and a channel I2I extends between the angles 9 1 and 98 adjacent the'uprights160 and .60c.

"angle member I22 extends between the members 81 and 98 adjacent the uprights 60a and 601). j 'An' electric motor I23 is An electric motor I2'3jiis;

means of areduction gear I24 naled 'ina bearing bracket I29. on the vertical angle member 99 and in a bearing bracket I29 on a verticalangle member I3I extending be, tween the members 98 and I00 anddisposed be tweenthe uprights 60b and 600. In Figs. 2,3, thegear wheel I21 in.

and 4 thegear I26 drives a counter-clockwise direction. i

Bearing blocks I30 (Fig. 2) are longitudinal angle members I0! and support'a shaft l30' on which a sprocket I 32 -is eccentrically' mounted. One end of a chain I33 is .se-

I cured-to, the gear wheel .I2I near-the, outer pe- .The chain I33 passes over the sprocket I32 and extends downwardly and is mounted. at its other end on a'bossl34 on a collar I35 mounted on the tube I06.

mounted on the channel secured to the.

Attached to the frame member I as and 10- cated below the supporting arm 'I4I Y I provide a rocking member I3I adapted to engage the lower side of the supporting arm MI and thus' prevent said supporting arm from dropping below the position necessary for its operation.

Angle members I5I which extend upwardly from the channel member I 2| and'the angle member I22 have on opposed ends of arms I53 whichextend 3 through 'th'e collar I35. Thus any'tenden'cy for I the tube I96 to bind in the collar I05 as the elevator is raised is eliminated A stacking trough I65 is-secu'redto the cross member 6I and by means of angle membersliifi is securedto transverse members 62 and 62 The lower end'of the trough I65 "is outwardly flared as at I6I t'o act as guides for a box being raised by the elevator. A rod I68 extends downwardly along one side" of the trough I65 and at the top thereof extends inwardly over thetrough;

A switch I69 is mounted on one of" the angle members I66 andincludes angoperating arm I10- through which the rod, I88 slidably extends. A

It will thusbe seen that as thegear wheel I2'I rotates, the elevator H0 will be 7 raisedv and lowered by meansof the chain. I33.

itreaches the top ofits stroke. The movement is similar as the elevator descends. shaft I40 (see Figs3 and 4) is-pivotally mounted between the longitudinal anglev mem bers WI and has an arm-I4I secured thereto. Thearm I 4| extends downwardly'and then'in- 'wardly and has axswitch I42 mounted thereon.

Theswitch I42 includes an operating arm-l43.

The operating arm I43 has a roller I45 rotatably mounted thereon which is adapted to engage a cam .146 on therim of the gear wheel I21- The switchgl42 .controls the motor 123 andthecon- Y struction is such that when the roller I45 engages the cam I46: the switch-I42 shutsofi the motor I23. I

As shown the wheel engages the cam when the elevatorisin lowered position. 'A tension spring. I48 has-one end thereof secured tothebearing bracket,. l2 9 and thus normally. urgesthesupporting arm downwardly.

I Also mounted on the shaft I40 I.provide an up- 7 extending trigger member I49 which is 'I 'he eccentric sprocket I32 is soset asto provide means to con- 'trol the movement of the elevator so that the elevator starts to rise slowly, travels-faster during the middle of its motion, and then goes slowly as collar, I'H on the rod I68 engages the top of the operating arm H0 and a compression spring I12 engages thebottom of the operating arm I'I0and is held in place by a collar I'I3 o n the rod I68.

The rOd I68 extends downwardly and engages a tongue I14 securedto the, cross channel I2.

The switch I69 controls the motor I61.

A pair of frame members I are secured to the;

uprights 60a and 60b and extend therefrom at substantially right angles to theframe members I4. Mounted on each frame member I80 is a bearing bracket I8I. The bearing brackets IBI, support a shaft I82 on which are mounted a pair of sprockets I83 and one end of apair of channel guides I84. The channel guides I84 extend between the uprights 60a and; 58b and are positioned adjacent opposed sides of theelevator platform H0. Each channel guide I84 includes downwardly extending side portions I86 which pivotally support therebetween a sprocket I81} The channel guides support the upper and lower reaches of continuous chains I88, the ends of which are supported by the sprockets "I83 and I81 (see Fig. 5). The channel guides extendbeyond the sprockets I81 andat theends thereof are joined by a rod I89. (see Fig. 2); When in.

lowered position, the channel guides I84 .,are

adapted to rest on blocks Imounted' on one of the members IOI (see Figs. 2 and 5). The rod I89 has a boss I98 thereon rod I9I moves in a cylinder. I 92 the lower end of which is pivoted at [93 to a boss I94 on thechan nel I2I.' r

The cylinder I92 includesan-air outlet (not shown) so that .air may be allowed to enterithe cylinder below thepiston as thelpiston' rises and to slowly. escape therefrom. as the piston descends.

A .rod 300 extending betweenlthe .uprightsfIiII' and; 68 c is pivotally securedthereto. Therod 280 has two dependingnotched arm's 20I1thereon' and a further depending actuating "arm 202 to inwardly extending legs adapted to be engaged by rollers I52 I(see Fig;- 5) V I (Fig. 5) to which a piston rod I9I is fmounted. The piston the lower end of which one end of a tension spring 203 is secured. The other end of the spring is secured to a rod 204 extending between the channel members I02 and I04. The notched portions of the arms 20I are adapted to receive the ends of the rod I89 when the channel guides are in raised position.

Extending between the frame members I80 is an angle member 2I I (Fig. on which upwardly extending legs 2I2 are mounted, the legs 2I2 supporting a channel beam 2| 3 upon the tops thereof. On the beam 2I3 rests one end of a pair of channel guides 2I4, the other ends of which are mounted on the shaft I 82. The channel guides 2I4 each include downwardly extending side portions between which sprockets 2I5 are supported.

Mounted on the frame members I80 I provide bearing blocks 2IG which support a shaft 2II upon which sprockets 2! are mounted. The sprockets 2I8 support one end of continuous chains 2I9 which may extend to any desired location and which may be driven by any suitable means.

Mounted on the shaft I82 I provide sprockets 222 which are located at the ends of the channel guides 2I4 previously mentioned. The sprockets 222 support one end of continuous chains 223 which are supported at the other end by the sprockets 2 I 5.

Outside of the sprockets 222 on the shaft 22I I arrange sprockets I83 which in turn support and drive the continuous chain I88 previously mentioned. The shaft I82 is extended at each end beyond the bearing brackets IBI. At one side, nearest the feed conveyor, the shaft I82 supports a sprocket 226 which supports the upper end of a continuous chain 221 (Fig. 5). The lower end of the chain 221 is supported by a sprocket 228 (Fig. 2) which is driven by a motor 229 which operates continuously when the stacking apparatus is in operation.

At the other end the shaft I02 supports a sprocket 230 which supports one end of a continuous chain 23I, the other end of the chain being supported by a sprocket 232.

arms 24! which latter have, their upper ends onnected. o a r s n e emb r 2 1) extending intermediate the frame members I80. Rods 240" have one end pivotally attached to the ends of arms 246 and 241.

The other ends of the rods 248 threadedly engage turnbuckles 249. Other rod 250 threadedlit engage the opposite side of the turnbuckles 249, and extend forwardly and pivotally engage the lower ends of downwardly extending levers 25L Ifhe levers 25I, at their uppermost ends are pivotally attached to the channel guides I84 as at 252; and extend slightly above the channel guides I84. and have forwardly extending portions 253 which are adapted to engage the bottom of a box resting on the elevator platform H0 and raise it upwardly until the box is engaged by the discharge conveyor. The portions 253 which engage the lowermost box are pivotally supported at one end, as at 252, on the channel guides and also pivotally engage one end of the rods 250 (Fig. 5) immediately below the pivot 252. The channel guides are pivoted on the shaft I32 and the other ends of the rods 250 turn about pivots on the lower ends of the arms 24?, the latter pivots being substantially below the shaft I82. The construction provides a parallel link motion for the portion 253 and as a result this portion 253 will keep its top surface always in a substantially horizontal position while being raised and lowered with the discharge conveyor.

A shaft 254 journaled in bearing blocks 255 arranged on the extension of the frame members 98 and I00 and adjacent the uprights 60a and 6012 (see Fig. 1) supports cams 256 adapted to engage rollers 25'! (see Fig. 5) supported by brackets 25 A roller 233 (Fig. 11), rotatable on an adjust- I able supporting arm 234, mounted on one of the frame members I80 engages the chain 23I and serves to keep this chain tight at all times.

Pivotally mounted on a boss 236 on the angle member 2 I arrange a trip release member 23'! (Fig. 5) having an upwardly extending portion 238 thereon which is adapted to be engaged by the lower box of a stack of boxes being dischar ed from the stacking mechanism. The trip release member extends downwardly and has one end of a rod 239 connected thereto. The rod 239 extends rearwardly and has a tube 240 at the rear end thereof into which a rod 24I extends. The rod 24I is connected to the arm 202. The rod 24I has a collar 242 thereon to limit the movement of the rod into the tube 240. One end of a tension spring 243 is secured to the downwardly extending part of the trip release 231, hile the other end is secured to a depending arm 244 secured to a crosspiece 245 (see Fig. 1) between the channel guides 2 I 4.

Frame members 98 and I00 are extended beneath the discharge conveyor and at their outermost ends are supported by rods I00 (Fig. 5) whose uppermost ends are attached to the lower surface of the angle members 2 and have extending arms 246 attached thereto. Thearms 246 at their outermost ends are connected to arranged on the lower face of the channel guides I84 to move the discharge conveyor to the raised position.

At the uppermost end of the stacking trough I65 (see Fig. 3) I provide a plate 259 mounted on a shaft 260. At one end thereof the shaft 260 has an arm 26I (see Fig. 12) which pivotally enages a' rod 262, the lower end of which engages the approximate center of an arm 203 which is pivotally attached to the upper flange of the cross member BI adjacent to the upright 60c. At its outer end the arm 263 is pivotally attached to a rod 264 (see Figs. 5, 11 and 12) extending downwardly and pivotally engaging a crank 255 (see Fig. 12) at the approximate center thereof. The crank 265 is attached to the shaft I40, the end (:2 which is extended through the frame member A piston rod 265 is mounted on the outer end of the crank opposite the shaft I 40 and moves in a cylinder 267, the lower end of which is attached to an arm 268 (se Fig. 12) which is attached to the upright '600. A tension spring 260 (Fig. 11 having its upper end attached to the upper end of the piston rod 256 and its lower end attached to the arm 258 adjacent the connection of said arm to the upright 60c tends to urge the crank 2E5 downwardly.

Eccentrically mounted on the shaft I40 Iprovide an elongated member 210, being held in place by a set screw 270;; (see Fig. 16). A sleeve 210i) is arranged about this member 210 and sup ports (as by welding) on its upper side the switch arm I49. The switch lever MI is similarly mounted on the lower side of the sleeve 21012. A

mounted on the shaft I 40 and has a sleeve 21m mounted thereon, which is imilar to sleeve 2102) heretofore described. Sleeve 21Ia has mounted second eccentrically mounted member 2' is also I ber, 2" to form a rigid connection between the Attached to the framemember I99 I also'pro- I vide anupwardly extending, stop-member 216 'upon which a stop armq211 is mounted. The stop arm includes adjustable members 218.which are'threadedly'mounted and areadapted to engage the trigger arms I49 and 212 when either ismoved backwardly. V I

Pivotally attached to the end of the frame member IDI I provide a lock release arm 219 which'passes through a guide member 280 which is attachedto the upright 89b. The lock release arm219 has its endengaged with a catch member 28I pivotally supported by a pin 28I -v(seez Fig. 13) in a cylindrical member 2132 supported on the shaftby a key 254 and held in place by a collar 254? which threadedly' engages a shaft 254. vA compression spring 282 mounted in a hole 282 in the member 282 tends to urge the catch mem- 283 is mounted on the member 214 and is disposed to engage the lower side of a'stop rod'283 which projects from the upper face of the guide means of the'jspring. I48. At this time the cam I46 has rotated away from' the switch roller I45 ,and the motor ,l23continues to drive the gear wheel I21 until the'cam'again engages the switch roller I'45. g

As the box is raised by the elevator, the box enages the cross channels 12 and forces the arms 1 I outwardly. The elevator raises the box slightly above the cross channel 12 at which time-the arms 1 I, resume their original-position (see Fig. 3) and support the box thereon. If the'box should be too long, or; should extend too, far under the cross channel 12 adjacent the feed conveyor, the box would raise the extensible arms and tongue I14 would actuate the switch'l59 and thus shutoff the motor I23., v

;-When the elevator rises, the lever 31 is rocked and thus lowers the chains 21. A further box being conveyedby the chains 21 will press the spring plate 45 and actuatethe switch-40, as previously-described, and will be urgedagainst the stop rnember 45. When theelevator descendsthe ber 28I outwardly. An outwardly extending rod the lower end of the guide 280. The spring 285 tends to urge the lock release arm 219 in an upwardly direction.

Disposed between the cylindrical member 282 and thesp-rocket 232 and rotatablyv mounted .on

the shaft254 andattached to the sprocket 232:

by means of a pin232 I provide a larger. cylindri-+ cal member 286 having in its face a series of inner .slots 281 which'are adapted to engage the catch 28L I I In operation, abox being conveyed by thebelt conveyor 23 is delivered thereby onto the chains 21, whichv carry it toward the elevator platform III). Assuming that theelevator anddischarge conveyor are both in lowered position, as shown in Fig.2, box passes over the spring plate '45 with-- out actuating the switch,4il (as, v previously described), passes over 'thestop member and onto the cylinder 51. A guide member3I0 is secured to each of the uprights 60 and 69a. The

chains 21 are raised and the switch 40 is released anda further boxis deliveredtothe elevator. When the nextto the la'st'ibox is raised by the elevator it willcause the top box of the stack to strike the plate259 and bymeans of the rods262 and 254 and the eccentrics 210 and 21I move the trigger member back of the stop member 216 (see Figs. 14 and 15) so'thatit cannot be actuated by the next box conveyed upon the elevator platform. This box also will move the trigger member 212 forward of the stop member 216 and into position to be actuated by the next incoming box.

When the last box strikes the trigger member 212,.it, by means of the rod 215, moves the member 214 to'move the rod 283 in a downward direction thereby. moving thev arm 219 in the same direction andallowing the lock 28 I. to be extended and; engagedin the next slot 281 that comes into position on theconstantly rotating member 286. The chains 231 then rotate the shaft 254 and the earn 256 engage the rollers 251 and lift the forward end of the discharge conveyor also lifting the last or lower box of the stack from the elevator. This lower box is then raised to engage the next to the bottom box of the stack to thus complete the stack.

The stack is p then conveyed away from the elevator. The stack being thus discharged engages and rocks the trip release member 238 which moves the rods 239 and 24I and thus rocks the arm 292 and releases the rod I89 from the guide members serve to guide the box as it is deliveredonto the cylinder 51. The cylinder 61 urges the box-'ontotheelevator rollers. I I4 and against the trigger member I49. Any tendency of the box to bounce back from the trigger member is eliminated: by the sp'ring loaded Dlateor apron I IS on the elevator platform.

., The motor I23 drivesthe gear I26 whichrotates the gear-wheel I21,.which by means of a chain I I33 raises the elevator with the box thereon.:. As

the box is raiSedff fQmn a ementjwith. the trigger member I4 9,-the:switch I42; is -lowered by 05 When the box engages thejtrigger'rnember I49;

to resume their lowered position. Also at the time the boxes are discharged the contact is removed from the plate 259 which allows theswitch arms I49 and 212 to resume their original position, and lock release arm 219 is again raised to engage the lock 28I, and depress said lock from engagement with the slots 281 in the member 286.

- If the boxes within the trough should be raised too high, the uppermost box would engage and raise the rod I68 and actuate the switch I69 and thus shut offthe motor I23. I

The chain I33 is sufiiciently long so that a slack portion I33a is provided. When the motor is started this slack must first be taken up and a a result a better lifting and lowering operation of the elevator is secured.

Having thus described my invention and the present preferred embodiments thereof I desire to emphasize the fact that many modifications may be resorted to in a manner limited only bya just interpretation of the following claims,

Having thus described my invention, I claim; 1. In a box handling apparatus, an elevator,

means to operate said elevator, a stacking trough v positioned in the path of movement of a box on said elevator, means to deliver boxesto said elevator, means to support boxes raised in said trough to form a stack, "a discharge conveyor operable to discharge a stack of boxes from said trough, said discharge conveyor including a pivoted frame having endless conveyor chains mounted to move thereon, said discharge conveyor having an end portion disposed in the path of movement of boxes in the stacking trough, said discharge conveyor frame being mounted to move from a lower position below the position occupied by the elevator when in its lowermost position to an upper position above the position occupied by the elevator when in its lowermost position and to raise a box on the elevator as it moves upwardly, cam means engaging said frame to lift the frame, means to operate said cam means to raise said discharge conveyor above the elevator so that the discharge conveyor engages and lifts a box on the elevator permitting the lifted box to engage the next higher box in the stack, means to operate the discharge conveyor chains tomove the stack from the stacking trough.

1 2. In a box handling apparatus, an elevator, means to operate said elevator, a stacking trough positioned in the path of movement of a box on said elevator, means to deliver boxes to said elevator, means to support boxes raised in said trough to form a stack, a discharge conveyor operable to discharge a stack of boxes from said trough, said discharge conveyor including a pivoted frame having endless conveyor chains mounted to move thereon, said discharge conveyor having an end portion disposed in the path of movement of boxes in the stacking trough, said discharge conveyor frame being mounted to move from a lower position below the position occupied by the elevator when in its lowermost position to an upper position above the position occupied by the elevator when in its lowermost position and to "raise a box on the elevator as it moves upwardly, cam means engaging said frame to lift the frame, means to operate said cam means to raise said discharge conveyor above the elevator, so that the discharge conveyor engages and lifts a box on the elevator permitting the lifted box to engage the next higher box in the stack, means to hold said discharge conveyor in raised position, means to thereafter operate the discharge conveyor chains to move the stack from the stacking trough and means to release the discharge conveyor holding means to permit the discharge conveyor to move to its lower position below the position occupied by the elevator when the latter is lowered.

3. In a box handling apparatus'an elevator, means to operate said elevator, a stacking trough positioned in the path of movement of a box on said elevator, means to deliver boxes to said ele-'- vator, means to support boxes raised in said trough to form a stack, a discharge conveyor operable to discharge a stack of boxes from said trough, said discharge conveyor including a pivoted frame having endless conveyor chains mounted to move thereon, said discharge conveyor having an end portion disposed in the path of movement of boxes in the stacking trough, said discharge conveyorframe being mounted to move from a lower position below the position occupied by the elevator when in its lowermost position to an upper position above the position occupied by the elevator when in its lowermost position and to raise a box on the elevator as it moves upwardly, cam means engaging said frame to lift the frame, means to operate said cam means to raise said discharge conveyor above the elevator so that the discharge conveyor engages and lifts a box on the elevator permitting the lifted box to engage the next higher box in the stack, rneans to hold said discharge conveyor in raised position, means to thereafter operate the discharge conveyor chains to' move the stack from the stacking trough and means to release the discharge conveyor holding means to permit the discharge conveyor to move to its lower position below the position occupied by the elevator when the latter is lowered.

4. In a box handling apparatus, an elevator, means to operate said elevator, a stacking trough positioned in the path of movement of a box on said "elevator, means to deliver boxes to said elevator, means to support boxes raised in said trough to form a stack, a discharge conveyor operable to discharge a stack of boxes from said trough, said discharge conveyor including a frame, m'ea'ns intermediate the length of the frame 'to pivotally support the frame, said discharge "conveyor having an end portion disposed in the path of movement of boxes in the stacking trough, said discharge conveyor frame being mounted to move from a lower position below the position occupied by the elevator when in its lowermost position to an upper position above the position occupied by the elevator when in its lowermost position and to raise a box on the elevator as it moves upwardly, means to lift said end portion "of the discharge conveyor so that the discharge conveyor engages and lifts a box on the elevator, permitting the lifted box to engage the next higher box in the stack, means to hold said discharge conveyor in raised position and means to operate the discharge conveyor to move the stack from the stacking trough.

In a box handling apparatus, an elevator, means to operate said elevator, a stacking trough positioned in'the path of movement of a box on said elevator, means to deliver boxes to said elevator, means to support boxes raised in said trough to form a stack, a discharge conveyor operable to discharge a stack of boxes from said trough, said discharge conveyor having an end portion disposed in the path of movement of boxes in the "stacking trough, means to mount said discharge "conveyor for bodily upward movement from a lower position below the position occupied by the elevator when in its lowermost position to an upper position above the position occupied by 'theelevator when in its lowermost position andto raise a box on'the elevator as it movesupiwardlyineans to lift the discharge conveyor 'so that the discharge conveyor engages and lifts a box'on the elevator, permitting the lifted box toengage the next higher box in the stack, meansto hold said discharge conveyor in raised position, means to operate the discharge conveyor to move thelstack from the stacking trough, and means to 7 release the discharge conveyor holdingmeans to permit the discharge conveyor to move to its "lower position below the position occupied by --t-he elevator when the latter is lowered.

6. In a box handling apparatus, an elevator, means to operate said elevator, a stacking trough positioned in the path of movement of a box on said -elevator, means to deliver boxes to said elevator, means to support boxes raised in saidtrough to form a stack, a discharge conveyor operableto discharge a stack of boxes from said trough, said discharge conveyor including a frame, means to pivotally support the frame, said discharge conveyor having an end portion disposed in the path of movement of boxes in the stacking trough, said discharge conveyor frame being mounted to move from a lower position below the position occupied by the elevator when in its lowermost position to an upper position above the position occupied by the elevator when release the discharge conveyor holding means to permit the discharge conveyor to' move to its lower position below the position occupied by the elevator when the latter is lowered.

7. In a box handling apparatus, an elevator, means to operate said elevator, a stacking trough positioned in the path of movement of a box on said elevator, a feed conveyor adapted to deliver boxes to said elevator, means to support .boxes raised in said trough to form a stack, a discharge conveyor operable to discharge a stack of boxes from said trough, said discharge conveyor comprising a pivoted support frame having conveying means thereon, said discharge conveyor including an end portion disposed below and in the path of movement of boxes in the stacking trough, said discharge conveyor frame being mounted to move from a lower inoperative position below the position occupied by the elevator when in its lowermost position to an upper operative position above the position and to raise a box on the elevator in moving to upper operative position, means actuated by the delivery of each box except the last box of a stack onto said elevator to actuate said elevator means and to thereby raise and lower said elevator, means to prevent further operation of said'elevator operating means after the elevator descends after raising the next to last box of a stack, means to move said discharge conveyor from its lower inoperative position to its raised operative position when the last box of a stack is placed on the elevator whereby the last box is moved upwardly by the discharge conveyor to engage the' next higher box in the stack, and means to thereafter operate the discharge conveyor chains to move the stack from the stacking trough.

' AMBROSE NEJA. 

